The State of Maine faces a number of transportation related challenges partly due to its rural nature with few and small city centers, and a population that is spread out across a large geographical region. Maine's transportation sector is highly dependent on petroleum to fuel automobiles as well as rail, truck, bus, and marine transportation. This dependence on petroleum brings certain challenges, including exposure to international instability, price volatility, and environmental impacts. Because of this dependence, the transportation sector is responsible for over half of Maine's carbon dioxide emissions (EIA).

An emerging alternative is found in electric vehicles. Maine's electric vehicle (EV) initiatives are beginning to gain momentum. Join E2Tech and Efficiency Maine to learn the latest on electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, and the ways public and private investment in this arena is promoting an increase in electric vehicle use in Maine. Our expert panelists will discuss challenges and opportunities facing the EV landscape, along with the complexities of policies around electricity rates and state and municipal ordinances. Efficiency Maine will also provide updates on its plans for the use of VW Settlement Funds, including the upcoming request for proposals (RFP) to develop publicly available Level 2 charging stations and initiatives to promote greater numbers and use of electric vehicles.